Spencer Rattler assesses Dakereon Joyner's transition on offense

On3 imageby:Jonathan Wagner05/02/23

Jonathan Wagner

Dakereon Joyner has done just about everything you could think of in the South Carolina offense. He joined the Gamecocks in 2018 as a part of the 2018 recruiting cycle. Since then, he has played quarterback and wide receiver. In 2023, Joyner will be lining up behind quarterback Spencer Rattler in the South Carolina backfield.

Joyner has 64 rushing attempts in his five-year collegiate career. That number is expected to significantly rise in 2023. Through spring ball, Rattler has seen a lot of progress in Joyner as he transitions to running back. But that didn’t come as a surprise.

“Yeah, he’s done a great job this spring switching positions,” Rattler said of Joyner. “I know he’s been at multiple positions his [entire] career here and he’s done a great job at every one. Whatever he’s asked to do, he does it at a really high level and focuses on his job and gives it all for his team. So he gives it all for his team and I know he’ll keep grinding and doing his thing this summer.”

As a true freshman in 2018, Joyner was listed as a quarterback for South Carolina. As a redshirt freshman in 2019, he started off as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver, and then returned to the quarterback room before the end of the season. He fully transitioned to wide receiver during the 2020 season.

In his career, Joyner has rushed for 325 yards and four touchdowns on 64 attempts, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He has 45 receptions for 442 yards and three touchdowns.

Joyner could become a valuable weapon for Rattler, South Carolina’s offense

Last season, Juju McDowell was South Carolina’s third leading rusher with 219 yards and two touchdowns. He returns this season, but nobody else in the Gamecocks’ top four in rushing is back. With needed depth needed in the room, Joyner could be the perfect fit.

As part of the 2018 recruiting class, Joyner was listed as a four-star player and the No. 46 wide receiver nationally, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

With plenty of versatility, Joyner brings a unique perspective to the running back room. He will get carries, but he will also likely line up out wide or in the slot to catch passes, in addition to doing the same out of the backfield.

That versatility and experience can do nothing but help out South Carolina, and Joyner’s perspective should be a welcome sight for Rattler at quarterback. Rattler threw for 3,026 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his first season with the Gamecocks.

South Carolina went 8-5 last season, including a 4-4 record against SEC opponents. The Gamecocks came on strong to end the season, and are a popular breakout pick for the 2023 campaign. If Joyner’s addition to the backfield works out and Rattler plays well, the South Carolina offense could be a dangerous one to go up against.